Local Unions Throughout California Endorse School Facilities Bond Act of 2016

Today, the Californians for Quality Schools campaign announced that eight more local labor unions, representing thousands of workers in communities across California, have endorsed the Kindergarten Through Community College Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2016. The measure, a $9 billion state school facilities bond to adequately fund school construction and modernization projects for K-14 school districts will ensure students are learning in safe facilities and will create thousands of construction and trade jobs. The local labor organizations that recently endorsed the bond include: Ironworkers Local 155; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 6; Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 104; Teamsters Local Union No. 890; Floor Coverers Local 1237; Bricklayers, Tilesetters and Allied Craftworkers Local 3; Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 159; and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 364.

“It is an honor to stand together with these hard-working Californians to support a measure dedicated to improving our neighborhood schools,” said Rob Stoker, Political Representative of Sheet Metal Workers Local 104. “The state school facilities bond will help prepare our students for future educational and work opportunities, while also creating thousands of jobs for Californians as we modernize our schools. Join with our thousands of members in supporting the School Facilities Bond Act of 2016.”

Because the last statewide school facilities bond was passed by California voters in 2006, there currently is a backlog of almost $2 billion in K-12 project applications and almost $500 million in priority community college projects. With estimates placing K-14 school construction funding needs for the next decade at more than $20 billion, the $9 billion bond will be a significant step forward to address the state’s school construction needs. Further, studies show that 13,000 jobs are created for each $1 billion of state infrastructure investment. These jobs include building and construction trades jobs throughout the state.

The school facility bond will provide funding to the following categories for K-12 and community college school districts:

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Paid for by Yes on Proposition 51 – Californians for Quality Schools, sponsored and funded by Coalition for Adequate School Housing Issues Committee and California Building Industry Association Issues Committee.